2012 showed a large increase in the number of cases of pertussis (whooping cough) reported in Iowa. More than 1,450 people were diagnosed with pertussis - a 425% increase from the state average in the past 5 years. As of November, at least half of Iowa’s 99 counties had reported cases of the disease with the highest rate of illness in children ages 10 to 14. Studies show that protection from pertussis received through DTaP vaccinations given to infants and preschoolers diminishes in 5 to 10 years which results in a higher rate of infection among adolescents. For this reason, the Iowa Administrative Code has changed to require a dose of Tdap (Tetanus, Diphtheria and Pertussis) for students entering Grade 7 beginning in the 2013-2014 school year. This action is to protect children at the age where they are most at risk for the illness because their immunity to pertussis has become weaker.
To make it easier for parents to comply with the new vaccination requirement, Horn Public Health and Sac County Public Health are working with local school districts, to offer Tdap vaccinations for students 11 to 18 years of age in grades 6 through 12. The clinics will be held during the second semester of the current school year. Parents with students in this age group should watch for more information in upcoming weeks. Questions about the vaccinations may be directed to Horn Public Health (712-364-7311), Angie Kastner, OA/BC-IG School Nurse (712- 364-2255) or Candi Graff, Ridge View School Nurse (712-368-4353).
Symptoms and Treatment of Pertussis
The germ that causes pertussis is carried in the air after an infected person coughs or sneezes. When a person with close contact breathes the “contaminated” air, those germs settle in the lungs. At first symptoms are much like a common cold -runny nose, sneezing, mild fever and a dry cough. Within 2 weeks, symptoms get worse as the infection causes thick mucus to be trapped in the lungs and a severe cough develops. The cough can be so violent that it causes vomiting or breathing problems. A coughing spell may end with a high pitched “whoop sound” as the person tries to breathe in deeply -hence the name “whooping cough.”
When testing by a doctor confirms pertussis early in the illness, an antibiotic can be prescribed to lessen the severity and length of symptoms. Infected persons that do not take antibiotics may be contagious for as long as 21 days. Vaccination, frequent and thorough hand washing and avoiding contact with persons who are ill are all important ways to reduce the risk of getting pertussis.
